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This kayak features three ways of propulsion: a paddle, pedals and even a sail.
Boardsailors were in awe of the sleek, 16-foot long plastic kayak because,they said, it's so easy to operate and top sailing speeds can be pumpedup with its Mirage Drive pedal power.
Several dozen windsurfers tried out the rig, according to John Van Lunen of Kitty Hawk Water Sports in Nags Head.
"It'sa neat boat and well designed," he said Saturday on the soundside beachat Frisco Woods Campground. "The boat has really turned some heads.I've had a bunch of people take it out for a spin."
Van Lunensaid that the versatile tri-hull can be used for variety of purposes.Because of the pedals, it makes for a great fishing platform because itcan be operated hands-free. It comes with two rod-holders and twodrink-holders.
Fitness buffs can work out their upper body by paddling and then switch to pedaling for leg work.
Machine designer Ben Lechelt of Pipersville, Pa. was thefirst person to express a great deal of interest about the AdventureIsland at the 12th Annual Windfest.
"I was kinda impressed," hesaid with a German accent. "The pedaling mechanism seems very unique.The rudder comes down easily — it's well thought out."
As amachine designer, Lechelt does automation for factories that producesuch things as computer chips. He automated the machine that fits theplastic over Breyers Ice Cream cartons.
"I like the mechanics to swing out the outriggers [and back]," he added. "They work nicely."
VanLunen said that he plans to have this first Island Adventure kayakavailable for demonstrations all summer long at Kitty Hawk Water Sportsin Nags Head.
Ralph Buxton, owner of Kitty Hawk Sports, also inNags Head, said he has bought, sold and rented "thousands" of kayaks onthe Outer Banks since they became popular in the early 1990s when OceanKayak came out with "Sit-On-Tops." But this design is unique.
"Withoutthe sail and amas [outrigger arms], it's a high performance kayak youpaddle," he said. "Add a pedal mechanism, the Mirage Drive, and now youcan paddle it or pedal it. Once you add the amas, you can sail it."
Firstused by the Polynesians, outriggers add stability to kayaks and canoes.When sailing the Island Adventure, the upwind outrigger hull rises outof the water. So Hobie's famous phrase "flying a hull" even applies tothis boat.
Buxton said he thinks it will be a popular boat along the Outer Banks because of its versatility.
"Itoperates in very shallow water [six to eight inches], and sailing itwill be great because of the winds here," he said. "But mainly, I seeit as a very good platform for fishing — it's so stable and has theMirage Drive, so you're hands are free for fishin' and that's ideal.
"Have a fishing pole in one hand and a beverage in the other," Buxton said.
Hesaid he also thinks people who live on canals in Colington, SouthernShores or Pirates Cove will love the Island Adventure because with theamas in, it's easy to get on from a dock or a bulkhead. Plus, one couldfirst paddle down the canal, then pedal for a while before getting toopen water where the outriggers can be deployed and the sail unfurled.
"It's just very versatile and could be a great [Baby] Boomers toy, it's fairly effortless," Buxton said.
Onlyone person at Windfest had heard of the Island Adventure. Frank Wells,who lives next to the campground, said some friends of his who liveaboard their 42-foot ocean going catamaran had purchased one inCharleston on their way to the Caribbean for the winter.
Withtheir homeport in Eleuthera, Bahamas, they plan to hit outer islandsand anchor in natural ports or bays called "holes." From there, theyhope to use the Island Adventure to have a little well, islandadventure.
"That's why they wanted this for picking and poking"along the islands and cays, Wells said. "There are bumps and bits ofcoral everywhere, miles and miles of it."
At least one beginner sailor took out the craft at Windfest.
Wanda Law of Kill Devil Hills summed up her Island Adventure experience with ease.
"It was awesome," she said with a big grin. "It's effortless and you just go. It's basically effortless."
Her daughter Lauren Law, 6, who hitched a ride in the cargo area of this one person boat agreed.
"That was a beautiful ride."
The new style kayak retails for $2,999 at Kitty Hawk Sports.
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